Bros and Beanies and Boots-- Oh My!

As warm summer days turn into crisp fall nights, fashion trends, too, begin to change like the colors of the falling leaves. Midterms during the fall semester are a challenge, but what just might pose a bigger threat to humanity is learning how to properly clothe yourself in Pittsburgh during this time.

I've been chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool for 22 years now, and I'm just now getting a grip on how to manage the changing climate in style. I have two brothers that I often take shopping and offer opinions on what clothes to buy, so I figured I would give a little help to all my brothers from other mothers out there that, too, want to maximize their fall style potentials.

Layers. Fall is all about the layers, baby. As we all know, we've now entered peak "leave my house in a sweatshirt because it's 40 degrees out but want to rip all my clothes off by the afternoon because it's now 90 degrees, and I'm roasting" season. Layering a few key pieces on top of each other effectively combats the changing temperatures outside.

A denim jacket. For me, the denim jacket is the holy grail of fashion. For decades, the denim jacket has been a staple holding looks together. The great thing about a denim jacket is that you can essentially pair it with everything, and it will still look good. Dress it up. Play it casual. Pair it with a pair of black jeans, cuffed navy blue pants, or over the top of your favorite flannel or NFL jersey for the big game. You can't go wrong.

The flannel. Another fall essential, a few good flannels are a must. Whether you're going to a bonfire, to class, to a haunted house, or that pumpkin patch your girlfriend forces you to take pictures at, a flannel will always be a solid choice. They're comfortable, just warm enough, and you can dress them up or down. To really maximize your fall look, layer a flannel with a denim jacket, throw in a pair of black jeans, and you're looking good.

A good beanie. In my opinion, a beanie can elevate a look from an 8 to a 10. Opt for a neutral color like black for starters. If the beanie look is for you, get a little bolder as you build your collection. Popular men's brands such as American Eagle, Urban Outfitters, Nike, Adidas, and Pac Sun offer a wide variety of beanies to choose from to take your look to the next level, all while keeping you warm on those chilly fall nights.

A cardigan. My brothers always flinch when I tell them they need to add a cardigan to their wardrobes. I promise, sweaters for guys are hip, too! Plus, they're super cozy and stylish with minimal effort. In Pittsburgh, it could be snowing tomorrow for all we know, so a solid cardigan is key to a solid fall wardrobe.

When it comes down to it, fashion is all about celebrating your individual style and what makes you feel most "you." As long as you pick pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable, you'll be doing just fine.